Scholarships & Funding for Indian Students Going Abroad

Going abroad is an investment — but there are real funding sources specifically for Indian students. Here are the ones worth applying for.

Government and University Grants

DAAD Scholarships (Germany) — Fully Funded

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers research internship programmes specifically for students from developing countries, including India. The DAAD RISE programme funds summer research internships at German universities.

• Amount: €750/month stipend + travel allowance (approximately Rs. 67,500/month)
• Duration: 6–12 weeks in summer
• Who qualifies: Undergraduate students in natural sciences, engineering, life sciences
• Application opens: November for following summer
• URL: daad.de/rise

Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility

While historically EU-focused, Erasmus+ has expanded to include non-EU partner universities. If your university has a partnership agreement with a European university, you may be eligible for Erasmus+ mobility funding.

• Amount: €700–1,000/month depending on destination country
• How to apply: Through your own universitys international office — check if they have Erasmus+ agreements
• Tip: IIT, NIT, and many private universities have these partnerships. Ask your International Relations Office.

UGC International Student Exchange Programme

University Grants Commission (UGC) funds bilateral exchange programmes between Indian universities and foreign counterparts. Selection is competitive.

• Amount: Varies by destination — typically covers travel and living expenses
• Apply through: Your universitys UGC liaison officer

ICCR Cultural Exchange Programme

Indian Council for Cultural Relations offers scholarships for study and exchange programmes abroad, including placements with cultural institutions.

• Particularly relevant for: Arts, music, cultural studies, diplomacy
• Apply through: iccr.gov.in

Education Loans for Internships Abroad

If grants dont cover your needs, education loans for overseas internships are available from multiple Indian banks. Interest rates are typically lower than personal loans.

Company-Side Funding

Many internship positions abroad include a stipend. When negotiating your offer, ask specifically:

• Is there a monthly stipend? (Common in Dubai, Singapore, London)
• Does the company cover accommodation? (Common in Japan, Korea)
• Is the visa fee reimbursed? (Common in UAE and tech companies)
• Is there a travel allowance for flights? (Less common, but worth asking)

At Internship Abroad, when we match students to companies, we negotiate these terms as part of the placement process. Many students receive part or full accommodation support — significantly reducing total cost.

Destination-Specific Funding